"I apologize for my horrific choice of words last night during our match. This
is something that is inconsistent with my family values and because of that I
am both disappointed and embarrassed by my level of poor judgment," Burch said
in the statement released Friday.

"I take seriously my role as a leader in the community and this is completely
regrettable and unacceptable. Character matters and I hope through hard work
on and off the field to begin earning your respect and trust again."

Burch directed the slur toward Real midfielder Will Johnson with 15 minutes to
go in the match. Seattle won, 1-0, to advance to the Western Conference final.

Houston Dynamo midfielder Colin Clark was suspended three matches earlier this
season after saying a similar slur that was also caught on camera.